The Economic Development Authority, Inc. of Spencer County is a great asset to our community. Annette King, the executive director, has her finger on the pulse of this community. Her wisdom and patience helped me attain my dream of opening a business in Taylorsville.

The events that lead to the decision by the General Assembly to pass Senate Bill 88 were regrettable and Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) has taken full responsibility for those relating to our association. More importantly, the board of directors of KACo took steps well in advance of that legislation that put us in compliance with most of its provision even before it was passed.

The Spencer County Middle School extends a big THANK YOU to all the volunteers who assisted teachers and students during the 2009-10 school year. SCMS appreciates and values your wonderful talents and volunteer services.

On April 12, I started a 1,400 mile bike ride across Kentucky in support of Dr. Daniel Mongiardo for U.S. Senate. I’m 67-years old – a veteran, an author and Kentucky’s first Unbridled Spirit award winner. But my most important role is a grandfather to thirteen grandchildren.

With all the sacrifices and hardship that our military men and women go through for the defense of our nation, it saddens me to know that some unappreciative person stole monies from a collection box that was used to help pay for the shipping of 200 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to the 1-502th INF, Afghanistan!

As a Taylorsville precinct resident, I am planning to vote for Richard Travelstead as this district’s magistrate.

I have known Richard for over four years beginning back in the days when Guard Duty was forming. Richard is an Army veteran and was very interested in helping get the organization going. Along with being on its executive board, he was instrumental in securing our non-profit status.

We are nearing the time when many young people will celebrate a lifetime of accomplishments as they graduate from high school and move toward their life goals. Family and friends will gather together for a festive occasion to commemorate this awesome milestone.

Traditionally, this is also a time when alcohol enters into the mix and brings tragic results for all involved. Alcohol is the most commonly used drug among American youth and it kills 5,000 teens every year.

I am Linda Greenwell. When I moved to Spencer County in 1992, I met Bill Karrer and was impressed with his knowledge of government, the political process as well as his eagerness and willingness to work hard for the county without benefit of an elected office. His goal was not a job, but a better operating county government and improved community in which to live and raise his family, while benefiting the families of his friends and neighbors.

Of all the people in the county running for office, only three people have even bothered to ask for my vote: Kim Stump, Jerry Eye and Bill Drury.

Is my vote not important to the others? Signs are not going to get votes, no matter how big they are or how many. It’s contact folks. We realize that if you hold a job, you may not be able to visit each house, but phone calls count, too.

Speaking of phone calls, poor old Bill Drury probably thinks, “My goodness, what does she need now?” every time I call. But he doesn’t.

Once again the water is over Grays Run Rd. in front of my house from the bridge past the curve so I do not know how far it goes. This used to happen about once every 10 years and now is happening once every 18 months.

No doubt my and the house next to me culverts should be once again replaced. Now on a Sunday this is not too bad but during the week many people travel this state road to get to work, using it as a short cut.

I have known John Riley for eight years and have never met a man who is more qualified to serve in public office than he is. In the years before John was elected magistrate, he became active in virtually all aspects of the Spencer County community and government.

I would like to encourage Spencer County citizens to vote for David Hesse for Spencer County Judge Executive.

I’ve know David for several years through our mutual leadership roles in our Boy Scout Troop here in Taylorsville, in which he serves as a troop leader. David stepped up to help the Boy Scout Troop at a time when we needed more leadership from the parents. Through example, David has been a great role model for the boys of our troop.

“Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.” – A quote by George Jean Nathan, American journalist.

I recently read that only 30 percent of Americans consider themselves habitual voters – meaning that whether it is a presidential race, local election or a single issue on the ballot, these citizens are going to exercise their right to vote. The rest of the population are equally divided into two categories: periodic voters and the unregistered.

Unfortunately, these statistics are not what I would consider surprising.

Guest column by Dave Adkisson, President and CEO, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

The Kentucky General Assembly concluded its regular session in an angry, finger-pointing finale, with the House and Senate publicly criticizing each other for their failure to agree on a spending blueprint to guide Kentucky through the challenging financial times of the next two years.

Bill Drury has gone beyond the call of duty. He works for the people beyond his district. He has helped families save their homes and, in some cases, rebuild.

Our home was robbed and Bill Drury helped us find help. He has always put others needs before his own or his family’s.

When people were flooded, he was out on crutches helping others in need. When farmers were in a drought, he was there. People all across Spencer County were in need of water and Bill Drury was there fighting for all of us.